Austria


HOME Europe France Ukraine England Poland Austria Netherlands Portugal Spain Germany Azia Egypt Cyprus Turkey India Sri-Lanka China Japan Africa Tunisia Kenya Tanzania Zambia Botswana	Area: 83.8 thousand km2.Avstriya3 Population: 7.9 million (1998). The official language is German. Capital: Vienna (1.5 million, 1998). National holiday: Day of the law on permanent neutrality (26 October, 1955.). Currency: Euro. Member of the UN since 1955, Member of the Council of Europe since 1956, the European Union - from 1995 A federal state is located in the heart of Europe. Once the core of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today - a country adhering to the policy of neutrality. Birthplace of the great Mozart and the Viennese Waltz, the center of the ski resorts - all especially attracts tourists. This small country is situated in the heart of Europe and has no outlet to the sea. It shares borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Its territory stretches strongly narrowed in the west and in the east of the extended wedge. Austria - one of the most developed countries of Europe. The most important industries are iron and steel. Smelting of iron exceeds the needs of the country, and so much of the black metal is exported. In non-ferrous metallurgy is important only the production of aluminum. Engineering, though, and forms the core of the whole industry in Austria, developed to a lesser extent than in the major industrial countries of Europe. Enterprises in this sector are generally small: the number of workers in many of them no more than 50 people. There was a range of industries, including timber harvesting, processing and pulp and paper. Austria is especially famous for its skiing. For forest products account for about a third of the country's exports. Also developed chemical and garment industry. Mineral little except magnesite mining which has export value. In Austria, intensive and high-value agriculture. The leading industry - dairy farming. This contributes to the character of land: the natural grasslands and pastures occupy more than half the agricultural land. In the valleys, located mainly in the Danube of the country, wheat, barley, sugar beets. Some lands are used interchangeably as arable land and pastures. Communications network is quite dense, not only in the plains, but in the mountains. There are more than 10 tunnels, the largest of which has a length of 14 km. From Vienna radially divergent tracks and highways. The Danube is navigable throughout the Austrian section. Climate in Austria The climate is temperate in Austria. In the western regions of the country significantly influence the Atlantic, and in the mountains and in the east it is more continental. The coldest month is January. On the plains in winter temperature is mainly slabootritsatelnaya, in the east of the country - does not drop below 10 degrees, and in the mountainous areas have temperatures down to -15 degrees. Summer is hot in the east of Austria, for example, in Vienna in July and August in the afternoon air is heated to 30 degrees. In the west of the warm summer - daily temperature reaches 21 .. 23 degrees at night is also noted to +13 degrees. In the mountains in the summer temperatures range from 25 degrees in the daytime to 10 degrees at night. The annual rainfall in the east of Austria is about 600 mm, and in the West - to 2000 mm. Basically, they fall in the summer. The mountain snow cover lasts up to 8 months of the year. The water in local lakes in the summer warms up to +25 .. +27 degrees. Traditions of Austria Excessive joy of life that radiates the Austrians, can cause many foreigners a great love for the small country in central Europe. It pulls in and the Europeans and Americans, and Japanese. Austrians are known for their anxious attitude to cleanliness, comfort and beauty of their homes. They invest a lot of time and money in their homes and called the house a second skin. Interestingly, in the household, regardless of the level of education, welfare, or the size of living space, many follow the principle of "do it yourself", and not only men but also women (up to self-repair the roof.) And sometimes it does not do it because they can not hire workers, and for pleasure. Great importance in decorating homes, creating the famous Austrian cosiness. Guests are usually offered ragged slippers, so as not to violate the purity of the sexes. Children's rooms are usually full of toys, but sometimes it seems that the main purpose of the latter - to stand on the shelf, and not serve as a subject for games - they are so neatly separated. Family is the most precious in life Austrians. Most residents of Austria dressed well and elegantly. But this is not the only feature of the Austrian style: in this country, perhaps, only in the West, yet still wear the traditional national costume ("Trachten"). And it is immediately apparent when looking at the clothes the crowds. Of course, mostly modernized things, but they are still a great breath comes the good old days. Moreover, the national costume of yesterday becomes the fashion of today. Cute "Dirndl" (long dress with puffed sleeves and apron) or elegant men's jacket gray with green trim are now indicators of good taste and emphasize individuality. Austrians are able to create for themselves and for visitors holiday atmosphere. In addition to statutory holidays, in every major city or region of Austria celebrate their own. Attractions in Austria Vienna Ball Season opens balls famous Imperial Ball at the Hofburg Palace, which attracts tourists from all over the world. More than six thousand visitors already on the main staircase meet with the "masters" of the ball (in the costumes of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elizabeth) and immediately get into the atmosphere of the Habsburgs - a solemn and majestic. As in all of the Viennese balls are sure to hear waltzes by Johann Strauss, although in different rooms of the Hofburg play several orchestras and you can choose to dance: samba, tango, rumba or rock-and-roll. The tradition of the Viennese balls is relatively new, but their duration is associated with ancient festivals: the Roman Saturnalia and Europe to winter: Carnival, or "phishing," as it is called here. To the XVIII century in Vienna and other European cities Carnival accompanied by mass carnivals. Often under the guise of the fun of carnival costumes and masks took stormy, festivities often ended in fights and even murders. This situation did not suit the Austrian empress Maria Theresa, and her orders were established rules governing the conduct of phishing. Prohibits the wearing of masks, the holiday was moved from the streets to the palaces, strictly limited number of guests (the common people had no choice but to move to as pubs and taverns). Only during the reign of Maria Theresa's son Joseph II of the limitations was lifted. Balls in the Hofburg are available to all (except service), it was again allowed to hide under the guise of a person, but only in the halls of the palace. Dancing under the roof quickly supplanted street festivals, and refined atmosphere balls became distinguished Vienna from other European cities, where reigned Shrovetide week folksy spirit of carnival. Every Viennese ball has its own mood and unique character. Plays a significant role preserved medieval guild since the Viennese spirit of corporatism. His balls organize lawyers and doctors, and the driver's cab owners of cafes, firefighters and officers, mechanics and the local Roma, hunters and students ... The ball hunters traditionally come in the Austrian national dress: Dresses ŤDirndlť and costumes of green cloth ŤLodenť. The ball-Rudolfina redoubt, held at the Hofburg Palace in 1910, the Catholic Union of Students, young people are in the yellow, magenta, green, orange, blue, red berets ... Here is going to college and university youth from all over Austria, and the colors represent berets belonging to various student associations. Another tribute to the history - an indispensable lottery and gifts to the guests of the ball. What these souvenirs were before, you can see on the stands Strauss Museum in Vienna - brooches, fans, a toy train, a medallion, icon, miniature books in an iron chest, ball notebook with a pencil ... Today, guests want to have a souvenir of the evening on. At the ball, gardeners ladies receive a free flower, and if you are lucky in the lottery - indoor plant in a pot, the ball Furriers prize - a mink coat, the ball confectioners choose the "queen of the evening" and solemnly handed a bag of sweets and cakes, equal to its own weight .. . Protection Each year the organizers are making some innovations - changing motto or crown of the ball, decorations, gifts. This year, the owners of Viennese cafes chosen for your prom theme of "France in Vienna", and the halls of the Hofburg are going to transform the traditional Viennese coffee house. At the ball, guests will bake pastry for three thousand cakes. St. Stephen's Cathedral ST. Stephen (in fact, "the cathedral church of St. Stephen in Vienna"), who lovingly called crowns Steffl, is one of the symbols of the capital of Austria and is located at the very center. Since 1569 the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop and the most important Gothic structure of the alpine republic. First Romanesque church on this site dates back to 1147, which is often rebuilt and reconstructed (1263, 1394-1340, 1359, 1640). Wars and fires also cause serious damage, example - a fire in the last days of World War II, after which the restoration work carried out even today. South Tower. Cathedral has a length of 107 meters and width - 37 pm There is also another part of the late-preserved buildings from 1230. Cathedral surrounded by four towers, the tallest is the South Tower (Südturm) - 136,4 m, the north tower was not completed, and its height is "only" 68 meters in the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy was forbidden to build up the church of the south tower of the Cathedral of St.. Stephen. Example - Mariinsky church in Linz (Maria-Empfängnis-Dom in Linz), the tower of which was specially built for 2 m below the cathedral in Vienna. The narrow winding stairs - 343 steps - you can go up to the observation deck, which offers a wonderful view over the roofs of Vienna. In the south tower are 18 bells. Attraction among them is Pummerin (Pumemrin). First Pummerin was poured in 1711, of the 208-mi Turkish guns (there were 300), which were left there after the siege of Vienna in 1683. The bell weighs 22.5 tons and 15 men shook him for 15 minutes until he first published the ring. The bell rang just 10 times a year. After 230 years of faithful service in the last days of World War II (April 12, 1945) ST. Stephen seized fire burned wooden pendants, Pummerin fell down and broke. In 1951 Pummerin was cast for the second time and now, after the bells in Cologne (Germany) and Rowenta (Italy), he ranks third in the list of the biggest bell in Europe and the fifth - in the world. Pummerin today is in the key of C major, and it is called the "voice of Austria." Cathedral inside. Cathedral is a wonderful example of a typical Gothic style, not only outside but also inside. Here you will hit countless Gothic sculptures, figures of saints or noteworthy elaborately carved wooden altar Noyshtadtsky Vienna (1447). One interesting feature of the cathedral is the figure of Jesus' suffering teeth "(c. 1415). Legend has it that the three young students mocked Jesus figure and a bandaged cheek towel, because they thought that he had toothache, and therefore is suffering face. Soon after, all three felt very acute dental pain, and realized that it is their statue punished. After lengthy prayers and requests for forgiveness pain yet passed. Another interesting figure is the figure of the Madonna - patron saint of servants and messengers (Dienstbotenmadonna, ca. 1325), which belongs to the most famous sculptures of the Gothic. They say it has helped to justify a single messenger, who was accused of stealing and asked her for help. One of the few elements of the baroque cathedral - the high altar of black marble, built in the XVII century by famous masters and Johann Tobias procs. On tour, you can also visit the famous catacombs - a system of underground tunnels, which until 1738 had been buried the most important people of the empire: here you can see the ducal vault with the coffins and urns of the Habsburg family, the burial crypt Vienna archbishops and Canonical vault - vault Vienna Canons . St. area. Stephen (Stephansplatz) along with leading to it is one of the streets of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of old Vienna. Here you can see a mixture of styles - from the Gothic and Baroque to modern. It is also the largest cab parking in Vienna. By the way the first license for this business was issued in the Austrian capital in the distant 1693, and in 1790 in Vienna, has been more than 700 wagons. Today, there are just over 100 cab, whose driver must pass a special exam. Price wagon rides depends on the duration - from 40 to 65 Evreux, and the cab is designed for the highest five passengers. Cities in Austria Vienna Vienna is considered one of the most charming cities in Europe. Former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna impresses with its grandeur and luxury, charm and warmth ... This is an extremely diverse city. Vienna is rightly called the heart of Europe. In this beautiful city, you will not have to leave the holiday feeling, whenever you have not visited in the summer or winter. Vienna - a city of magnificent palaces, grand squares, picturesque streets. The city on the Danube, surrounded by a green necklace Vienna Woods. A city of poets and musicians, the city is brilliant, but cozy, cheerful and thoughtful. The city is amazing and timeless ... Vienna - two millennia Great stories. Thanks to art galleries, concert halls and the famous Vienna Opera, Vienna became the cultural center of Europe. Regardless of the season, evening Vienna turns into one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Cultural life is poured into an opera and concert halls. Restaurants in the city offer plenty of choice - from small local cafes to major restaurants for gourmets and connoisseurs of special dishes. In Vienna, many night clubs, discos and casinos, which are open to the public until the morning.Vienna is similar to St. Petersburg and Moscow at the same time, people have been slow, but come on time, gold stuffy imperial pomp gets on with foolishness eclecticism per answer, but most importantly - radialnokrugovaya Circuit City does not prevent straightness of the streets. So walking is very convenient in the center - is a must. You should start with a walk around the first district in the ring Ringstrasse. Bikes are not a problem rolling stations a dime a dozen, but with the iron horse is more difficult to spend money in local stores like vintage shops Eselmist or fashion mall 2006FEB01. By the way, keep in mind, the shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays (in winter - December 25 and 26, 1 and 6 January), and the working day ends no later than 19.00. But public transport in Vienna goes anywhere around the clock. So it makes sense to break into licked the outskirts, they too do not lack monuments. And you do not want to leave the center and in the gardens of Schönbrunn, paradoxically, can also get rid of the tourists. Salzburg The fourth largest city in Austria, but the beauty and historical significance may well compete with Vienna, and this is clearly evidenced by the great number of tourists every year who come here: the season the number of tourists in the city far outnumber the local population. In 1997, Salzburg was included in the UNESCO list of monuments of historical heritage. Salzburg has a remarkably beautiful location - on the northern edge of the Alps. From the south to the city right fit pretty high mountains, it can be seen even top-dvuhtysyachnika and in the north hilly plain. The main charm of Salzburg - Baroque architecture of the Old Town, most of which relates to the pedestrian area. In the historical part of the city preserved many old churches and houses, here is the many small boutiques, where every thing is unique. Salzburg - the birthplace of Mozart, and is often said that the great composer could only be born here - in a magical and colorful surroundings of this ancient city. Every year, in late January, is held in Salzburg Mozart Week, here gathers the musical elite to enjoy the magical music. It also celebrated the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Mozart's birth - on this day, January 27, started to ring the bells of all the churches 35 years of Salzburg, in memory of the great son of the city. In addition, Salzburg and its surroundings were a film set for the beloved film "The Sound of Music." The lens cameras were almost all of the major attractions of the city. Now organized a special tour of the city and its suburbs with a visit to the famous movie locations. By the way, watching the movie is fine for a first acquaintance with the beauty of Salzburg. Linz The population of Linz - 185 000. Linz - the capital of Upper Austria and the third most populous city after Vienna and Graz. Linz declared the cultural capital of Europe in 2009. City with dignity is preparing for an extraordinary fireworks for the grandeur of cultural events. The arrival of more than 2 million visitors. Stretching in a broad valley on both sides of the Danube city is mentioned in historical documents as a Celtic settlement Lentos the Bronze Age. The ancient Romans built a fort here border Lenz in 15 BC The name of the Linz appeared in 799 year. In 1490, Emperor of the "Holy Roman Empire" Friedrich III officially declared its capital Linz. After 7 years the city has received permission to build a bridge across the Danube. Development of the city contributed to its favorable geographical position on the Danube as an important trade artery. Linz is today through railway, providing direct transportation links between the Baltic and Adriatic seas. Business-hasty days of modern Linz, harmoniously combining the business life of the industrialized industrial city in Austria with a rich cultural life and international events. The city is famous for the famous Bruckner festival, held annually in September in memory of the masterpieces of composer Anton Bruckner. This festival is a romantic name "Linz sound cloudť (Linzer Klangwolke). It opens with a laser show in the Danube Park and the response to various pieces of music. The sight is awesome! Another of the exciting events in the city - Electronic Art Festival, held each year in September, the center of electronic art (Ars Electronica Center), is a kind of museum that allows visitors to fly over Upper Austria in the virtual space, marvel at the wonders of computer animation, graphics and simulation . The festival prize for achievements in the field of computer art. Mountain Home Linz - Pöstlingberg. To top of it you can climb the steepest railway in the world, built in 1898, from Enjoy a magnificent view of the city, stretching along both banks of the Danube. Pöstlingberg loved and frequently visited residents of Linz is because on top of it is the pilgrimage church (Wallfahrtskirche), built in 1738. Entertaining children's world is located in a fabulous grotovom tunnel that kids can drive around on "Express dragon." There is also one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe with a unique collection of cacti (over 1100 species). This is one of the richest collections of cacti in Europe. From Linz linked the names of many historical figures, scientists who have made significant contributions to science, and prominent figures of culture and art. Founder theoretical astronomer Johannes Kepler in the period from 1612 to 1626 he worked in Linz. Austrian painter and writer Adalbert Stifter also prefer the last 20 years of his life living and working in Linz. Very interesting architecture Linz. On Hauptplatts (Hauptplatz, Main Square) preserved many buildings, monuments, with unusually narrow (three window openings) out of the square, which leads to higher taxes. All these buildings have a narrow frontage, but significantly extended in depth, and to provide a flow of light, many of them are exclusively decorated courtyards, such as "patio", which are used in the summer for a cozy chamber concerts. St. Pölten St. Pölten Trayzen located on the river, 65 km west of Vienna. The city is the capital of Lower Austria. The territory of the city - 108, 48 square kilometers, the city is home to about 60 thousand people. The city is divided into 11 districts, which was established 43 community. The city is located at the intersection of railways and highways. To get to the city you can train from Vienna, it will take 40 minutes or from Linz - 50 minutes. The nearest airport is the international airport of Vienna. St. Pölten is the youngest and the oldest capital city of Austria. In Roman times to the site of the present St. Pölten was a Roman city Elium Tsentium. St. Pölten began to form in the 18th century around the Benedictine abbey. Right to the City, he received in 1159. Since 1785, the city was the center of a bishopric, and in 1986 became the capital of Lower Austria. Tourist city is beautiful Baroque buildings and picturesque squares. The old part of the city you will find the column of the Holy Trinity, which is located in the heart of Old Town Square. Here you can see the Franciscan Church and the Town Hall, which has repeatedly rebuilt. Around the square there is burghers houses with baroque facades. In Cathedral Square is the Cathedral, whose bell tower height is 77 meters. Front of the church during the summer organized open-air concerts. The city has several museums: the Diocesan Museum, City Museum, the Historical Museum of Lower Austria and the Museum of Hof. City Museum is located in the former convent of the Carmelites, and the Diocesan Museum is located in the former residence of the bishops. The castle Pottenbrun you can see a collection of medieval goblets. In the south-eastern part of the St. Pölten is government district with modern architecture. This quarter is the Land Museum, Center for Austrian Radio, House of Parliament of the land, the Festival Palace, land records and Regional Library. In the neighborhood you can visit the palace Shallaburg, Abbey Hertsogenburg, museum episcopate Bischofshofen, Lilienfeld monastery. Especially for tourists excursions to the mountain and the valley Foralpenland vineyards of the Wachau. Feldkirch Feldkirch - old Austrian city in the west, in the federal state of Vorarlberg. Situated on the River Ill, a tributary of the Rhine, in the southern part of the broad valley of the Upper Rhine. Feldkirch is the most western city of Austria, he is only three kilometers from the border with Liechtenstein. Population of 32,341 people in 2008. Feldkirch - the second largest city after Vorarlberg Dornbirn, surpassing the population of the capital of the province - Bregenz. Administratively, the city is divided into seven districts.Feldkirch small given the world many great people. Here was born the theoretic (Rhaeticus, real name - Georg Joachim von laukh, 1514-1576) - famous German astronomer and mathematician, and disciple of Copernicus. Painter and graphic artist of the Renaissance, one of the main representatives of the Danube School Wolf Huber (c. 1485-1553) - also a native of Feldkirch.Feldkirch is a fairly well-known winter and summer resort. In winter, the surrounding slopes and ski resorts will deliver no less pleasure than the most prestigious resorts in Europe, and in the end of June, guests can visit the Feldkirch Schubertiade music festival. One of the main attractions of the city - a tiny zoo, rather the reserve because the animals are almost naturally, almost without walls and racks, just 1 km away from the city center. The mountains surrounding the Feldkirch found chamois, roe deer, red deer, mountain goats, raccoons, weasels, stone martens, on the plains - hares, foxes, near water - otter. Avifauna includes grouse, partridges, quails, cranes, woodcock, snipe, heron, bittern, geese, grouse, mergansers, jays, wood pigeon, robins, eagles, and so on. In reservoirs bred trout, grayling, chub, carp.

Area: 83.8 thousand km2.Avstriya3
Population: 7.9 million (1998).
The official language is German.
Capital: Vienna (1.5 million, 1998).
National holiday: Day of the law on permanent neutrality (26 October, 1955.).
Currency: Euro.
Member of the UN since 1955, Member of the Council of Europe since 1956, the European Union - from 1995

A federal state is located in the heart of Europe. Once the core of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today - a country adhering to the policy of neutrality. Birthplace of the great Mozart and the Viennese Waltz, the center of the ski resorts - all especially attracts tourists.

This small country is situated in the heart of Europe and has no outlet to the sea. It shares borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Its territory stretches strongly narrowed in the west and in the east of the extended wedge.

Austria - one of the most developed countries of Europe. The most important industries are iron and steel. Smelting of iron exceeds the needs of the country, and so much of the black metal is exported. In non-ferrous metallurgy is important only the production of aluminum.

Engineering, though, and forms the core of the whole industry in Austria, developed to a lesser extent than in the major industrial countries of Europe. Enterprises in this sector are generally small: the number of workers in many of them no more than 50 people. There was a range of industries, including timber harvesting, processing and pulp and paper. Austria is especially famous for its skiing. For forest products account for about a third of the country's exports. Also developed chemical and garment industry.

Mineral little except magnesite mining which has export value.

In Austria, intensive and high-value agriculture. The leading industry - dairy farming. This contributes to the character of land: the natural grasslands and pastures occupy more than half the agricultural land. In the valleys, located mainly in the Danube of the country, wheat, barley, sugar beets. Some lands are used interchangeably as arable land and pastures. Communications network is quite dense, not only in the plains, but in the mountains. There are more than 10 tunnels, the largest of which has a length of 14 km. From Vienna radially divergent tracks and highways. The Danube is navigable throughout the Austrian section.

Climate in Austria

The climate is temperate in Austria. In the western regions of the country significantly influence the Atlantic, and in the mountains and in the east it is more continental. The coldest month is January. On the plains in winter temperature is mainly slabootritsatelnaya, in the east of the country - does not drop below 10 degrees, and in the mountainous areas have temperatures down to -15 degrees. Summer is hot in the east of Austria, for example, in Vienna in July and August in the afternoon air is heated to 30 degrees. In the west of the warm summer - daily temperature reaches 21 .. 23 degrees at night is also noted to +13 degrees. In the mountains in the summer temperatures range from 25 degrees in the daytime to 10 degrees at night. The annual rainfall in the east of Austria is about 600 mm, and in the West - to 2000 mm. Basically, they fall in the summer. The mountain snow cover lasts up to 8 months of the year.

The water in local lakes in the summer warms up to +25 .. +27 degrees.

Traditions of Austria

Excessive joy of life that radiates the Austrians, can cause many foreigners a great love for the small country in central Europe. It pulls in and the Europeans and Americans, and Japanese.

Austrians are known for their anxious attitude to cleanliness, comfort and beauty of their homes. They invest a lot of time and money in their homes and called the house a second skin. Interestingly, in the household, regardless of the level of education, welfare, or the size of living space, many follow the principle of "do it yourself", and not only men but also women (up to self-repair the roof.) And sometimes it does not do it because they can not hire workers, and for pleasure. Great importance in decorating homes, creating the famous Austrian cosiness. Guests are usually offered ragged slippers, so as not to violate the purity of the sexes. Children's rooms are usually full of toys, but sometimes it seems that the main purpose of the latter - to stand on the shelf, and not serve as a subject for games - they are so neatly separated.

Family is the most precious in life Austrians.

Most residents of Austria dressed well and elegantly. But this is not the only feature of the Austrian style: in this country, perhaps, only in the West, yet still wear the traditional national costume ("Trachten"). And it is immediately apparent when looking at the clothes the crowds. Of course, mostly modernized things, but they are still a great breath comes the good old days. Moreover, the national costume of yesterday becomes the fashion of today. Cute "Dirndl" (long dress with puffed sleeves and apron) or elegant men's jacket gray with green trim are now indicators of good taste and emphasize individuality.

Austrians are able to create for themselves and for visitors holiday atmosphere. In addition to statutory holidays, in every major city or region of Austria celebrate their own.

Attractions in Austria

Vienna Ball

Season opens balls famous Imperial Ball at the Hofburg Palace, which attracts tourists from all over the world. More than six thousand visitors already on the main staircase meet with the "masters" of the ball (in the costumes of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elizabeth) and immediately get into the atmosphere of the Habsburgs - a solemn and majestic. As in all of the Viennese balls are sure to hear waltzes by Johann Strauss, although in different rooms of the Hofburg play several orchestras and you can choose to dance: samba, tango, rumba or rock-and-roll. The tradition of the Viennese balls is relatively new, but their duration is associated with ancient festivals: the Roman Saturnalia and Europe to winter: Carnival, or "phishing," as it is called here. To the XVIII century in Vienna and other European cities Carnival accompanied by mass carnivals. Often under the guise of the fun of carnival costumes and masks took stormy, festivities often ended in fights and even murders.

This situation did not suit the Austrian empress Maria Theresa, and her orders were established rules governing the conduct of phishing. Prohibits the wearing of masks, the holiday was moved from the streets to the palaces, strictly limited number of guests (the common people had no choice but to move to as pubs and taverns). Only during the reign of Maria Theresa's son Joseph II of the limitations was lifted. Balls in the Hofburg are available to all (except service), it was again allowed to hide under the guise of a person, but only in the halls of the palace. Dancing under the roof quickly supplanted street festivals, and refined atmosphere balls became distinguished Vienna from other European cities, where reigned Shrovetide week folksy spirit of carnival.

Every Viennese ball has its own mood and unique character. Plays a significant role preserved medieval guild since the Viennese spirit of corporatism. His balls organize lawyers and doctors, and the driver's cab owners of cafes, firefighters and officers, mechanics and the local Roma, hunters and students ... The ball hunters traditionally come in the Austrian national dress: Dresses ŤDirndlť and costumes of green cloth ŤLodenť. The ball-Rudolfina redoubt, held at the Hofburg Palace in 1910, the Catholic Union of Students, young people are in the yellow, magenta, green, orange, blue, red berets ... Here is going to college and university youth from all over Austria, and the colors represent berets belonging to various student associations. Another tribute to the history - an indispensable lottery and gifts to the guests of the ball. What these souvenirs were before, you can see on the stands Strauss Museum in Vienna - brooches, fans, a toy train, a medallion, icon, miniature books in an iron chest, ball notebook with a pencil ... Today, guests want to have a souvenir of the evening on. At the ball, gardeners ladies receive a free flower, and if you are lucky in the lottery - indoor plant in a pot, the ball Furriers prize - a mink coat, the ball confectioners choose the "queen of the evening" and solemnly handed a bag of sweets and cakes, equal to its own weight .. . Protection Each year the organizers are making some innovations - changing motto or crown of the ball, decorations, gifts. This year, the owners of Viennese cafes chosen for your prom theme of "France in Vienna", and the halls of the Hofburg are going to transform the traditional Viennese coffee house. At the ball, guests will bake pastry for three thousand cakes.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

ST. Stephen (in fact, "the cathedral church of St. Stephen in Vienna"), who lovingly called crowns Steffl, is one of the symbols of the capital of Austria and is located at the very center. Since 1569 the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop and the most important Gothic structure of the alpine republic.

First Romanesque church on this site dates back to 1147, which is often rebuilt and reconstructed (1263, 1394-1340, 1359, 1640). Wars and fires also cause serious damage, example - a fire in the last days of World War II, after which the restoration work carried out even today.

South Tower. Cathedral has a length of 107 meters and width - 37 pm There is also another part of the late-preserved buildings from 1230. Cathedral surrounded by four towers, the tallest is the South Tower (Südturm) - 136,4 m, the north tower was not completed, and its height is "only" 68 meters in the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy was forbidden to build up the church of the south tower of the Cathedral of St.. Stephen. Example - Mariinsky church in Linz (Maria-Empfängnis-Dom in Linz), the tower of which was specially built for 2 m below the cathedral in Vienna. The narrow winding stairs - 343 steps - you can go up to the observation deck, which offers a wonderful view over the roofs of Vienna.

In the south tower are 18 bells. Attraction among them is Pummerin (Pumemrin). First Pummerin was poured in 1711, of the 208-mi Turkish guns (there were 300), which were left there after the siege of Vienna in 1683. The bell weighs 22.5 tons and 15 men shook him for 15 minutes until he first published the ring. The bell rang just 10 times a year. After 230 years of faithful service in the last days of World War II (April 12, 1945) ST. Stephen seized fire burned wooden pendants, Pummerin fell down and broke. In 1951 Pummerin was cast for the second time and now, after the bells in Cologne (Germany) and Rowenta (Italy), he ranks third in the list of the biggest bell in Europe and the fifth - in the world. Pummerin today is in the key of C major, and it is called the "voice of Austria."

Cathedral inside. Cathedral is a wonderful example of a typical Gothic style, not only outside but also inside. Here you will hit countless Gothic sculptures, figures of saints or noteworthy elaborately carved wooden altar Noyshtadtsky Vienna (1447). One interesting feature of the cathedral is the figure of Jesus' suffering teeth "(c. 1415). Legend has it that the three young students mocked Jesus figure and a bandaged cheek towel, because they thought that he had toothache, and therefore is suffering face. Soon after, all three felt very acute dental pain, and realized that it is their statue punished. After lengthy prayers and requests for forgiveness pain yet passed. Another interesting figure is the figure of the Madonna - patron saint of servants and messengers (Dienstbotenmadonna, ca. 1325), which belongs to the most famous sculptures of the Gothic. They say it has helped to justify a single messenger, who was accused of stealing and asked her for help.

One of the few elements of the baroque cathedral - the high altar of black marble, built in the XVII century by famous masters and Johann Tobias procs.

On tour, you can also visit the famous catacombs - a system of underground tunnels, which until 1738 had been buried the most important people of the empire: here you can see the ducal vault with the coffins and urns of the Habsburg family, the burial crypt Vienna archbishops and Canonical vault - vault Vienna Canons .

St. area. Stephen (Stephansplatz) along with leading to it is one of the streets of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of old Vienna. Here you can see a mixture of styles - from the Gothic and Baroque to modern. It is also the largest cab parking in Vienna. By the way the first license for this business was issued in the Austrian capital in the distant 1693, and in 1790 in Vienna, has been more than 700 wagons. Today, there are just over 100 cab, whose driver must pass a special exam. Price wagon rides depends on the duration - from 40 to 65 Evreux, and the cab is designed for the highest five passengers.

Cities in Austria

Vienna

Vienna is considered one of the most charming cities in Europe. Former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna impresses with its grandeur and luxury, charm and warmth ... This is an extremely diverse city. Vienna is rightly called the heart of Europe. In this beautiful city, you will not have to leave the holiday feeling, whenever you have not visited in the summer or winter.
Vienna - a city of magnificent palaces, grand squares, picturesque streets. The city on the Danube, surrounded by a green necklace Vienna Woods. A city of poets and musicians, the city is brilliant, but cozy, cheerful and thoughtful. The city is amazing and timeless ... Vienna - two millennia Great stories. Thanks to art galleries, concert halls and the famous Vienna Opera, Vienna became the cultural center of Europe.
Regardless of the season, evening Vienna turns into one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Cultural life is poured into an opera and concert halls. Restaurants in the city offer plenty of choice - from small local cafes to major restaurants for gourmets and connoisseurs of special dishes. In Vienna, many night clubs, discos and casinos, which are open to the public until the morning.Vienna is similar to St. Petersburg and Moscow at the same time, people have been slow, but come on time, gold stuffy imperial pomp gets on with foolishness eclecticism per answer, but most importantly - radialnokrugovaya Circuit City does not prevent straightness of the streets. So walking is very convenient in the center - is a must. You should start with a walk around the first district in the ring Ringstrasse. Bikes are not a problem rolling stations a dime a dozen, but with the iron horse is more difficult to spend money in local stores like vintage shops Eselmist or fashion mall 2006FEB01. By the way, keep in mind, the shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays (in winter - December 25 and 26, 1 and 6 January), and the working day ends no later than 19.00. But public transport in Vienna goes anywhere around the clock. So it makes sense to break into licked the outskirts, they too do not lack monuments. And you do not want to leave the center and in the gardens of Schönbrunn, paradoxically, can also get rid of the tourists.

Salzburg

The fourth largest city in Austria, but the beauty and historical significance may well compete with Vienna, and this is clearly evidenced by the great number of tourists every year who come here: the season the number of tourists in the city far outnumber the local population. In 1997, Salzburg was included in the UNESCO list of monuments of historical heritage. Salzburg has a remarkably beautiful location - on the northern edge of the Alps. From the south to the city right fit pretty high mountains, it can be seen even top-dvuhtysyachnika and in the north hilly plain.
The main charm of Salzburg - Baroque architecture of the Old Town, most of which relates to the pedestrian area. In the historical part of the city preserved many old churches and houses, here is the many small boutiques, where every thing is unique.
Salzburg - the birthplace of Mozart, and is often said that the great composer could only be born here - in a magical and colorful surroundings of this ancient city. Every year, in late January, is held in Salzburg Mozart Week, here gathers the musical elite to enjoy the magical music. It also celebrated the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Mozart's birth - on this day, January 27, started to ring the bells of all the churches 35 years of Salzburg, in memory of the great son of the city.
In addition, Salzburg and its surroundings were a film set for the beloved film "The Sound of Music." The lens cameras were almost all of the major attractions of the city. Now organized a special tour of the city and its suburbs with a visit to the famous movie locations. By the way, watching the movie is fine for a first acquaintance with the beauty of Salzburg.

Linz

The population of Linz - 185 000. Linz - the capital of Upper Austria and the third most populous city after Vienna and Graz. Linz declared the cultural capital of Europe in 2009. City with dignity is preparing for an extraordinary fireworks for the grandeur of cultural events. The arrival of more than 2 million visitors.
Stretching in a broad valley on both sides of the Danube city is mentioned in historical documents as a Celtic settlement Lentos the Bronze Age. The ancient Romans built a fort here border Lenz in 15 BC The name of the Linz appeared in 799 year. In 1490, Emperor of the "Holy Roman Empire" Friedrich III officially declared its capital Linz. After 7 years the city has received permission to build a bridge across the Danube. Development of the city contributed to its favorable geographical position on the Danube as an important trade artery. Linz is today through railway, providing direct transportation links between the Baltic and Adriatic seas.
Business-hasty days of modern Linz, harmoniously combining the business life of the industrialized industrial city in Austria with a rich cultural life and international events. The city is famous for the famous Bruckner festival, held annually in September in memory of the masterpieces of composer Anton Bruckner. This festival is a romantic name "Linz sound cloudť (Linzer Klangwolke). It opens with a laser show in the Danube Park and the response to various pieces of music. The sight is awesome!
Another of the exciting events in the city - Electronic Art Festival, held each year in September, the center of electronic art (Ars Electronica Center), is a kind of museum that allows visitors to fly over Upper Austria in the virtual space, marvel at the wonders of computer animation, graphics and simulation . The festival prize for achievements in the field of computer art.
Mountain Home Linz - Pöstlingberg. To top of it you can climb the steepest railway in the world, built in 1898, from Enjoy a magnificent view of the city, stretching along both banks of the Danube. Pöstlingberg loved and frequently visited residents of Linz is because on top of it is the pilgrimage church (Wallfahrtskirche), built in 1738. Entertaining children's world is located in a fabulous grotovom tunnel that kids can drive around on "Express dragon." There is also one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe with a unique collection of cacti (over 1100 species). This is one of the richest collections of cacti in Europe.
From Linz linked the names of many historical figures, scientists who have made significant contributions to science, and prominent figures of culture and art. Founder theoretical astronomer Johannes Kepler in the period from 1612 to 1626 he worked in Linz. Austrian painter and writer Adalbert Stifter also prefer the last 20 years of his life living and working in Linz.
Very interesting architecture Linz. On Hauptplatts (Hauptplatz, Main Square) preserved many buildings, monuments, with unusually narrow (three window openings) out of the square, which leads to higher taxes. All these buildings have a narrow frontage, but significantly extended in depth, and to provide a flow of light, many of them are exclusively decorated courtyards, such as "patio", which are used in the summer for a cozy chamber concerts.

St. Pölten

St. Pölten Trayzen located on the river, 65 km west of Vienna. The city is the capital of Lower Austria. The territory of the city - 108, 48 square kilometers, the city is home to about 60 thousand people. The city is divided into 11 districts, which was established 43 community. The city is located at the intersection of railways and highways. To get to the city you can train from Vienna, it will take 40 minutes or from Linz - 50 minutes. The nearest airport is the international airport of Vienna.
St. Pölten is the youngest and the oldest capital city of Austria. In Roman times to the site of the present St. Pölten was a Roman city Elium Tsentium. St. Pölten began to form in the 18th century around the Benedictine abbey. Right to the City, he received in 1159. Since 1785, the city was the center of a bishopric, and in 1986 became the capital of Lower Austria.
Tourist city is beautiful Baroque buildings and picturesque squares. The old part of the city you will find the column of the Holy Trinity, which is located in the heart of Old Town Square. Here you can see the Franciscan Church and the Town Hall, which has repeatedly rebuilt. Around the square there is burghers houses with baroque facades. In Cathedral Square is the Cathedral, whose bell tower height is 77 meters. Front of the church during the summer organized open-air concerts. The city has several museums: the Diocesan Museum, City Museum, the Historical Museum of Lower Austria and the Museum of Hof. City Museum is located in the former convent of the Carmelites, and the Diocesan Museum is located in the former residence of the bishops. The castle Pottenbrun you can see a collection of medieval goblets. In the south-eastern part of the St. Pölten is government district with modern architecture. This quarter is the Land Museum, Center for Austrian Radio, House of Parliament of the land, the Festival Palace, land records and Regional Library. In the neighborhood you can visit the palace Shallaburg, Abbey Hertsogenburg, museum episcopate Bischofshofen, Lilienfeld monastery. Especially for tourists excursions to the mountain and the valley Foralpenland vineyards of the Wachau.

Feldkirch

Feldkirch - old Austrian city in the west, in the federal state of Vorarlberg. Situated on the River Ill, a tributary of the Rhine, in the southern part of the broad valley of the Upper Rhine. Feldkirch is the most western city of Austria, he is only three kilometers from the border with Liechtenstein. Population of 32,341 people in 2008. Feldkirch - the second largest city after Vorarlberg Dornbirn, surpassing the population of the capital of the province - Bregenz. Administratively, the city is divided into seven districts.Feldkirch small given the world many great people. Here was born the theoretic (Rhaeticus, real name - Georg Joachim von laukh, 1514-1576) - famous German astronomer and mathematician, and disciple of Copernicus. Painter and graphic artist of the Renaissance, one of the main representatives of the Danube School Wolf Huber (c. 1485-1553) - also a native of Feldkirch.Feldkirch is a fairly well-known winter and summer resort.
In winter, the surrounding slopes and ski resorts will deliver no less pleasure than the most prestigious resorts in Europe, and in the end of June, guests can visit the Feldkirch Schubertiade music festival. One of the main attractions of the city - a tiny zoo, rather the reserve because the animals are almost naturally, almost without walls and racks, just 1 km away from the city center. The mountains surrounding the Feldkirch found chamois, roe deer, red deer, mountain goats, raccoons, weasels, stone martens, on the plains - hares, foxes, near water - otter. Avifauna includes grouse, partridges, quails, cranes, woodcock, snipe, heron, bittern, geese, grouse, mergansers, jays, wood pigeon, robins, eagles, and so on. In reservoirs bred trout, grayling, chub, carp.